MARGAO
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s assurance to Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao that the government would take the Cuncolim MLA into confidence before proposing a public utility project at the Goa Housing Board project site at Panzorconne-Cuncolim has thrown up more questions than answers amongst the people.
While the Chief Minister has handed out assurance that Alemao would be consulted before the government proposes a public utility project on the acquired land, questions arise how the government would go about the matter when the High Court had issued directions to the Goa Housing Board to allot the proposed housing plots to the allotees.
For, on November 10, 2023, the High Court had confirmed the order passed by the South Goa district Court in favour of the plot allotees with modifications, before issuing directions to the Goa Housing Board to allot the plots to the four allotees within a set time frame.
This has thrown up a question or two about how the government will go about the housing board property, whether it will seek a review of the High Court order or whether the Cabinet will take a decision to protect and utilize the acquired land for a public utility project.
The CM’s assurances to propose a public utility project at the GHB acquired land at Panzorconne came after Yuri Alemao, during zero hour, raised issue of fears expressed by locals over revival of the proposal of establishing a Housing Board project at Charam Moddi, Panzorconne in Cuncolim constituency.
He said that people have opposed such project, which could alter the demography and put a strain on the village's resources like water, electricity, and infrastructure.
“The land was acquired in the 1990s but the project was scrapped due to community resistance. This project could seriously impact the village's social and cultural fabric. The proposed land is presently used as play-ground for different sports by locals, and a project here would deprive them of these facilities,”Alemao said.
He added: “The proposed project also threatens heritage, environment, and traditional way of life. The locals are agitated. Any new housing project could alter the demography and put a strain on the village's resources like water, electricity, and infrastructure”.
Yuri said that before taking any steps the locals should be taken into confidence and government should work in their interest and welfare.
